BRUNO ZAFFINO
December 7, 1943 – March 19, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of our dear Father and Nonno, Bruno Zaffino, who passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026 at the age of 82, surrounded by his loving family after a brave 16 month fight against cancer.
Bruno was a cherished Husband, Father, Nonno, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He lived humbly and loved deeply. His kindness wasn’t loud – it was steady and reliable, shown through patience, humor, and unconditional love that everyone felt. Bruno’s laughter was contagious and his smile never faded. He embodied strength, dedication, and integrity that brought light into our lives.
Born on December 7, 1943 in Serra San Bruno, Calabria, Italy to Cosimo and Addolorata Zaffino. In 1964 at just 20 years old he made the brave choice to leave Italy for a new life in Canada. He reunited with his brother Nazzareno in Thunder Bay where he began to create a fulfilling life. On July 15, 1967 he married Maria Valente-the love of his life-and together they raised three wonderful children. They enjoyed over 58 beautiful years together.
The joy of Bruno’s life came from his family. Every moment spent with them filled him with pride. Whether celebrating milestones or enjoying Sunday dinners together; his heart was happiest surrounded by those he loved most. His three grandchildren were the light of his world-memories of backyard soccer games or checking on grapes in the garden will always be cherished moments for him.
Bruno found happiness in simple pleasures. Some of his best days were spent going for long drives with Maria or attending different Church services around the city. He appreciated time in the garden or relaxing outside under the warm sun. He fully embraced life-enjoying music, walking with friends, playing Briscola cards while laughing at slapstick comedies like The Three Stooges and watching Italian shows on RAI. He also passed down traditions like making wine, tomato sauce and soppressata that became family events he took great pride in.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Maria (Valente); children Dolores (Ray), Cosimo (Donna), Antonio; along with grandchildren Dylan, Hope & Abby who adored him immensely. Surviving him are also brother Nazzareno (Nicolina) and sisters Maria, Assunta, Franca and Carmela along with many nieces nephews and extended family members. Predeceased by parents Cosimo and Addolorata as well as brothers Giuseppe & Raffaele.
Our family would like to express gratitude to Drs Del Paggio , Ward , Simpson , Rumbolt & Harris for giving us more time with Bruno. A heartfelt thanks goes out to community nurse Farrah , along with staff at TBRHSC on floor 1A & St Joe’s Hospice for their compassionate care during this time.
The funeral service honoring Mr. Bruno Zaffino will take place on Tuesday March 24 ,2026. Family & friends are invited to gather at St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church for Funeral Mass beginning at11:00am led by Father Bonaventure Anaike. Following this there will be a private burial service held at Sunset Memorial Gardens exclusively for immediate family members. Visitation hours prior will occur one hour before starting at10:00am within church premises. Everyone is encouraged to join us afterwards within church hall where refreshments will be served post ceremony.
If you wish to honor Bruno’s memory further donations may kindly be made towards Northern Cancer Fund via Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Foundation located at980 Oliver Road , Thunder Bay ON P7B6V4 or online through www. healthsciencesfoundation. ca
The arrangements have been handled by Westfort Chapel located at420 West Gore Street near James.
We celebrate a life beautifully lived whose impact will endure forever.
He’ll always hold a special place in our hearts. Que Sera Sera……
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